introduction

Species Sheet

Terminology

Singular & Plural: Fitzen
Young: Fitzlet/Fitzlets
Group: Surge of Fitzen
Young group: Litter of Fitzlets

Background

Fitzen are located on a volcanic island named Crathem, located off the eastern coast of Asia. They were discovered by humans in the year 1849. Scientists theorize that like apes, large felines evolved to become sapient. The island is made up of three main sections, the western and eastern side of the island, which are separated by a large ravine, as well as a central section located in the dormant crater.

Traits

Fitzen have long horns protruding from their heads, regardless of gender. They can measure from 3-8 inches long, and are made of keratin.They have the face of a large feline, although have short or no whiskers, and they are a vestigial structure (left over from previous ancestors and not useful anymore). They have a long, thick tail and have digitigrade legs. They are adept at climbing. They have long, soft, floppy ears that reach their collarbones.They have bright colors, most commonly shades of green, blue, purple, and pink, and anywhere in between. Their skin will usually be that color, and their fur is transparent like a polar bear's; however, it is short and dense. Generally, this means that their skin color will be muted to a lighter color. Often, their extremities (paws, tail, ears, etc) will have a darker color, also known as color-point markings. Some can have stripes or spots,Normally, fitzen will have one distinct color, and their horns, claws and markings will be various shades similar to this color, but sometimes it can be two or three similar colors.Fitzen almost always have black or grey hair, though some have been observed to have colored hair.

Rare Traits

Sometimes, fitzen can have abnormal traits, such as multiple pairs of horns, stiff ears that point backwards, and tail abnormalities.Sometimes fitzen can have a rare gene which makes their primary color red, orange, or yellow. Although, this is quite rare compared to the green-to-pink spectrum that is usually observed.

Disclaimer

Your fitzen can be any color, marking, or pattern that you want, as long as it follows the rules listed in the guide page. These color rules are just a general guide around the lore of this species, as well as how they would appear in "real life". Your limit is your imagination!

fitzen life

Traditions

Eastern fitzen have many festivals, celebrating events such as the arrival of spring, the great harvest, and many others. Often individual communities may celebrate things like the birth of children, the lifelong pairing of two fitzen, or birthdays.The western fitzen don't often celebrate events, preferring to keep to themselves, but they will come together to mourn the loss of people and to celebrate the great harvest.Central fitzen will join eastern fitzen in a few celebrations, but usually only significant ones.One thing unites them all, and that is the celebration of the new year. A large sacred cave is decorated with lights and tapestries, and all fitzen gather inside. There they celebrate with feasts and music. When midnight strikes, the leaders vow to maintain peace between the people and promise to uphold their duties. The religious fitzen will move to another section of the cave to continue their part of the ceremony, then the night is over and they can either rest in the cave or travel back home.

culture

Art and philosophy is a big part of their history, especially large statues carved into their mountains and caves.
Many fitzen enjoy expressing themselves with art, costumes and stories. Others might enjoy reading, and studying history and philosophy. Modern technology isn't widespread on Crathem, but a few fitzen enjoy digital activities, such as video games or social media.

Rules

If you want to make a fitzen character, there are a few things to keep in mind to be true to the species.- Fitzen are typically slim and agile, built for climbing their mountainous landscapes and dwelling in caves. They use their tails to balance.
- They can have patterns like stripes or spots as markings, but never special patterns like letters or complex symbols.Here's a few rules:- Don't make any offensive fitzen designs (Nazis, blackface, etc.)
- Fitzen always have one tail, two eyes, two ears, four limbs and four fingers. The tails have a tuft at the end. (Of course, injury is possible, and fitzen don't magically heal themselves, but they will never have fully formed extra parts.)
- Please link to the species sheet in your character's reference sheet or character profile, as I want people to make their own and know where to find the info!
- Have fun! :)